Wheel of Ashes (1971)

Wheel of Ashes is an American-French film first released in 1971, directed by Peter Emmanuel Goldman.  The film stars Pierre Clémenti, Katinka Bo, Pierre Basançon, Judith Malina and Juliet Berto.  It has also been released under the title: Roue de cendres.  Our overall rating for this film is: good.


A haunting and beautifully photographed black and white film about a young man in Paris (played by Pierre Clementi) who finds himself in a terrible conflict between his desire to find God, his desire for women and his attachment to his fiancée ( played by the Danish actress Katinka Bo).  A depressed and lonely Pierre meets Anka at a party and they become lovers. However, under the influence of the Indian Vedanta philosophy Pierre retreats to a room near the Batille and vows not to leave until he finds God.  But in spite of his best efforts, he is not free from both his lust and his attachment to his finacée.  As his mental state deteriorates, a surprise ending finally frees Pierre from the room with the conflict unresolved. The pacing, photography and intensity assure that this is a film that stays with the viewer long after her has left the theater.
© David King (New York City, USA)

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A powerful and forgotten film that was made in France by an American. It lives in your memory long after seeing it.
David King (Hollywood, Florida, USA)  

A powerful and haunting film made more than 40 years ago,,,yet I still remember it. Why has Goldman been forgotten? He made several different, unique and powerful films including Echoes of Silence. He was a link between the American Underground and the French New Wave.
apropos (New York City)  

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